Week 14: Final Runway

It's the finale of Project Runway Season 17 on Bravo! I can't believe it. All of the designers have a lot of work for their final runway show this season, especially compared to previous seasons. Although they did have a little bit more time to work on their collections, these 3 definitely got down to business for the 5 months that they had to work. For example, the designers are only each presenting 10 looks on the runway, and Garo has 17 ready!

Christian tells the designers that they have an opportunity to go to Mood to get more supplies with a budget of $300 if they want, but this time to shop will cut into their work time. Sebastian is the only one who shows up at Mood to get some finishing touches, even though he really doesn't need to purchase anything he's mostly just bored.

Marni Senofonte returns to the workroom to help each designer with their overall collection styling after the designers do make-up consultations. Marni coaches them on accessories, shoes, hair, and make-up to give each designer a great overall look.

Christian announces that the designers will be able to work until 7PM, when they will go meet a mystery fashion industry insider, who is very opinionated. The designers end up at Diane Von Furstenburg's studio, where she meets with all of the designers collectively and gives them some pointers. DVF's main point of advice is to be themselves throughout this whole process and stay to true to what they believe in.

For the final runway show, the designers will be showcasing their pieces in an indoor venue, instead of in a tent for fashion week as they have done in the past. The space looks super interesting for a runway show, and even though it doesn't quite possess the highbrow element fashion week does, it seems like there are plenty of important fashion insiders at the show.

This season, they show a lot more backstage work just hours before the show. Previous seasons have shown a lot more footage of the work that takes place in the workroom just days before the final runway show with only a few moments backstage. I like that this season gives new insight into all the backstage commotion that goes on before a runway show, with glimpses into the processes behind hair, make-up, accessories, and dressing before the show begins.

THE RUNWAY

Second Runner Up: Garo Sparo

Garo's collection was all about shine and sparkle. Garo certainly surprised the judges and myself with the chic and sophisticated quality that this collection had. The judges loved that his collection was edgy, futuristic, and refined, and thought that he should really be proud of what he accomplished this season. However, the judges also noticed some issues with construction, and the one piece that they raved over from the preview collection was not included in the final runway show. Nina said, "You certainly know how to dress a woman and make a statement."

First Runner Up: Hester Sunshine

Hester's collection was inspired by Rococo meets Y2K. When Hester introduced her collection, she called it "extra," which is so fitting. The judges loved that she was fearless in her use of colors and prints, but sometimes it felt like there were two different collections going on at once. Most of the judges did not like the "90's gymnastics print" that Hester included to show her punk rock side, but DVF loved it because it showed her two different sides coming together. Her skill for putting together accessories, hair, and outfit are remarkable, which makes the judges think that her creativity is unstoppable. Elaine said, "You are a vibe. You sent down a vibe, and for that I applaud you."

WINNER: SEBASTIAN GREY!

Sebastian's collection was inspired by his home country Colombia. The judges loved the techniques that he used and thought that the presentation was basically flawless. Nina thought the whole collection flowed like an arrow. Sebastian walks the tightrope between art and commerce splendidly, making his clothing streetwear yet refined at the same time. Overall, the judges practically had no negatives for him on the runway, a dead giveaway that he would be victorious in the end like many predicted. Brandon said, "I could see so many women wearing your collection. . .incredibly, incredibly chic." In the end, his ability to make clothing in a way that would rival any person showing at fashion week landed him with the title of Project Runway Season 17 Winner!

So, was Project Runway Season 17 Episode 14/Finale in or out? I have to say in! I am so happy with the fact that all of the designers were so well prepared for their finale runway show especially compared to previous seasons. I loved that Sebastian won, since I have been loving basically every single thing he has sent down the runway since day one - even the pieces that the judges deemed safe. He deserved to win, and I hope and expect to see great things from him, Hester, and Garo in the future!